Housing Opportunities Program

The Housing Opportunities Program is a federally funded program assisting individuals with disabilities seeking long-term housing placement. The goals of the program are to help alleviate financial burden related to housing and reduce the risk of homelessness.

To reach these goals, the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County seeks to partner with landlords who have quality properties and would like a stable tenant.

Why should a landlord partner with the Housing Opportunities Program (HOP)?

The HOP will bring potential tenants to you to lease your property for a minimum of 12 months. This will help you to keep your properties rented without having to worry about advertising. 

How is the rent paid?

The HOP pays a guaranteed portion of the rent on the first of each month. The remainder is paid by the tenant. This HOP portion is paid via a third-party check written from the Health Planning Council of Northeast Florida. The amount covered by the program is dependent on the tenant’s income. 

Is this a Section 8 program?

No. The program is funded by the U.S. Department Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program. HOP works similarly to Section 8, however it is not a Section 8 program.

How does the process work and how long does it take?

The process leading to lease signing is similar to your current process with a few additional steps. Here’s a basic outline:

• The potential tenant finds the property where they want to live and completes the landlord’s application.
• The landlord completes the HOP Landlord Package, which includes rental assistance agreement, a lead-based paint disclosure, and a rent reasonableness confirmation form.
• HOP verifies the rent is reasonable and schedules a housing quality standards inspection.
• The lease is signed by the tenant. The individual – not the program – is the lease holder.
• Each month the property owner receives payment from the Health Planning Council and also the individual leasing your property.

The length of the process depends on how quickly each party completes their requirements. However, the prospective tenant has 60 days to identify a property and sign a lease. Therefore the process must be completed within this timeframe.

What is the lease term?

Lease agreements must be for a minimum of 12 months. When a lease is approaching renewal, the program will work with both parties to renew the lease if both agree.

What if I have a problem with a tenant?

The lease is a contract between the property owner and the tenant. Any potential problems should be addressed with the tenant first. If issues cannot be resolved, please notify HOP. However, if the tenant’s portion of the rent is delinquent, please notify us immediately.

If I accept one tenant, do I have to accept anyone you send me?

If a landlord partners with the program on one lease, the owner is under no obligation to rent to others the program may recommend. However, program staff will keep in contact with you about your available properties. 

Why is the program helping people find housing?

Housing interventions for low-income people with disabilities have been found to improve health outcomes and decrease health care costs. As a public health agency, the department works with disadvantaged individuals to ensure stable, quality and affordable housing. This is accomplished in partnership with the Health Planning Council, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that conducts numerous planning and community connecting projects across Florida.

Interested in partnering with the HOP Program? Please call us for more information at 386-274-0554.

Download the HOP Landlord Package here.